Children in care to receive better mental health checks when they enter the care system.

Children in care to receive better mental health checks when they enter the care system.

From June 2019 looked after children will receive improved mental health checks as they enter the care system as part of a delayed pilot project.

Whilst up to 10 pilot areas were set to start these checks by May last year, the launch was delayed as a result of the snap general election.

A group of organisations, led by the Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families (AFNCCF) has now been commissioned to work with pilot areas to trial the new assessment framework. The pilot areas will benefit from investment to deliver the scheme, over a period of two years.

According to a briefing document which outlines details of the pilot, currently 'there is wide variability in how mental health assessments are carried out, and a common barrier is the difficulty of engaging a child or young person in a discussion about their emotional well-being. This project aims to develop a shared stance and language across all key people involved in the young person’s life.’